$47.8 million in FEMA funding for NYS bridges

(WBNG Binghamton) Bridges in Otsego and Tioga Counties that are vulnerable to erosion will see millions in federal funding to help strengthen them.

The funding is available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which aims to increase resiliency, reduce hardship and diminish the risks of loss and damage from natural disasters.

A total of $47.8 million in funding will go to strengthen 20 bridges in New York State.

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Friday FEMA approved the following grants for Otsego and Tioga Counties:

-$1.9 million for the Route 28 Bridge over Herkimer Creek in Exeter, Otsego County- $1.9 million for the Route 80 Bridge over Butternut Creek in Burlington, Otsego County- $2.2 million for the Route 96 Bridge over Catatonk Creek in Spencer, Tioga County

"Part of adjusting to the new reality of extreme weather means we must bolster our infrastructure to be stronger than it ever was before – so that we rebuild with the next major storm in mind," Cuomo said. "This investment allows us to make bridges across the state more resilient in the face of severe weather, and that means safer communities for the future."

Cuomo has requested a total of $518 million in federal funding to strengthen 105 bridges across the state. The governor said upgrading the bridges will help protect critical transportation routes during floods.